Remember Your Pets This Thanksgiving

Although some have overlooked it, we at the Humane Society are excited to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday! Spending a day with our loved ones is something we cherish, but we want to encourage all of you to not overlook your pets on this day of thanks. Please keep your pets in mind especially when it comes to preparing your traditional Thanksgiving feast. Although some food items may be a staple to your family around the dinner table, they can be harmful to your pets. Here are a few things to keep in mind this Thanksgiving.

Give Them a Safe Haven

A full house of family and friends may be overwhelming to your pet. Make sure to have a safe place for your pets to retreat to if they feel scared. Set a room aside for them that is quiet and free of people. You can also have some calming music playing in the room to help your pet tune out the noise from your party. Make sure to have things that are familiar to your pet in the room including their bed, toys, food and water.

Watch for Bones

Your pet may like a nibble or two of turkey this Thanksgiving and that is OK. However, make sure that your turkey is fully cooked and boneless. Raw or undercooked turkey can hold salmonella bacteria, which can be harmful to your pet. Small bones can also be a choking hazard for your pet if consumed. In fact, both turkey and ham bones can splinter in your dog’s digestive tract, which can lead to an emergency trip to your vet. Dispose of bones carefully and keep them away from your pets!

Be Aware of Spices

Sage can make any ho-hum stuffing taste amazing, but this spice along with others contain essential oils and resins that can make your pet’s stomach upset if eaten in large quantities. Cats are very sensitive to these essential oils. In addition, that nutmeg that adds something special to your pumpkin pie, can cause seizures or central nervous system problems in your dog.

Say No to Dough

When it comes to raw dough, simply tell your pets no. When a pet eats raw dough, their natural body temperature causes the dough to rise in their stomachs. As the dough expands, the dog may experience things such as severe abdominal pain, bloating and even vomiting, which can become life-threatening. If your pet accidentally eats dough, contact your vet immediately.

Don’t Overindulge

With so many yummy treats available this Thanksgiving, remember that moderation is key. It is completely OK to give your pets a few nibbles of Thanksgiving dinner, but too much of a good thing could lead to stomach upset or diarrhea for your pet. A great way to include your pets would be to give them a special pet-friendly chew when your family sits down for dinner. Or, better yet, fill your pet’s Kong with a little bit of the Thanksgiving meal (go for turkey, sweet potato or green beans). This way you can avoid them begging for scraps at the dinner table and they can enjoy a little of the meal without overindulging!

ID Your Pets

The stress from holidays can make a scared pet bolt right out of an open door. Make sure your pets have proper identification at all times. Have an identification tag with contact information on them so if they get out they can be identified. In addition, get your pets microchipped. If their collar breaks away, they can still be identified and returned to you if found.

Thumper

Age: 4 1/2 years oldType: Dwarf/AmericanSex: Male

What Makes Them Special? Thumper is an adorable little guy that came to our shelter along with many other bunnies after their owner passed away. He's neutered and is quite a tidy fellow with his litter box habits. He's currently in foster care and his foster tells us he's very social, likes to cuddle and really enjoys the times he gets to run and play. His diet consists of timothy hay, pellets and fresh greens daily. His favorite treat? A slice of banana will excite him enough to do a happy dance. Would you like to meet Thumper and see if he's the bunny for you or your family? Please submit a small animal adoption application and let us schedule a time for you to meet him at our shelter. We're certain he'll steal your heart.

Dobby

Age: 3-years-oldType: Treeing Walker Coonhound mixSex: Male

What Makes Them Special? This gorgeous boy is Dobby! He came all the way from a shelter in Kentucky to find his forever home! You may hear him barking in the kennels but it is only because he wants to come out and see you! Once you get to spend some time with him you will see that he is a calm, gentle, sweet boy who just wants attention. He will gently put his head in your lap and look up at you for snuggles. He loves being pet and being close to you and will make a loyal companion. He's got enough energy to go on a nice walk or hike but also calm enough to cuddle up with you and relax. He has started training here and will receive two free training classes with his adoption so that his new family can see everything he has learned and continue that in the home. He may need to meet any potential "dog siblings" before going home with them. If you think Dobby would be the perfect fit for your home, come on in, fill out an application, and spend some time with him

Sarsaparilla

Age: 4-years-oldType: Hound/Shepherd mixSex: Female

What Makes Them Special? This sweetheart is Sarsaparilla (a.k.a."Sassy"). She came all the way from a Kentucky shelter to find her forever home! She is a very sweet girl who would make a great addition to any home! She is peppy enough to spend time playing or go on a nice long walk, but calm enough to hang out and relax at home. She is very sweet and pretty calm so would make a great companion to someone looking for an amazing girl to add to their heart and home! She goes to training through the S.T.A.R.T. training program so will receive two free classes with her adoption to maintain and continue training. She has gone to our pet therapy program (where we visit nursing homes and allow them to interact with the dogs), and our book buddies program (where we take dogs to elementary schools to let them read to and interact with the dogs) and she has done very well in those situations! She LOVES snuggling close to you, getting belly rubs, and giving you lots of kisses. Sassy will need to be the only pet in the home as she doesn't get along well with cats or most other dogs. If you think Sarsaparilla would be the perfect addition to your home, come on in, fill out an application, and spend some time with her!

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded more than a century ago by a group of concerned citizens with a desire to ensure that "all animals will be wanted." Today the organization still operates with the purpose of building loving relationships between people and pets.